City Corner column: Get ready for spring book sale, hurricane season

By Jennifer Sourdellia
April 29, 2012 at 10:03 p.m.Updated April 28, 2012 at 11:29 p.m.

When is the spring book sale at the Victoria Public Library?

Mark your calendar. The Friends of the Victoria Public Library are conducting a spring book sale at the Victoria Public Library from May 7-12 in the Bronte Room at the Library.

If you love books and bargains, then this sale is for you.

Book sale hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

There will be a variety of books, tapes, CDs and special books for all ages and interests.

If you would like to donate some books for the sale, feel free to drop them off at the library. Large donations are accepted at the back door of the library from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, please call 361-485-3302 or visit victoriapubliclibrary.org

Hurricane season will soon be upon us. What can I do to be prepared if a storm makes its way to the Crossroads?

Hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30, and Victoria officials urge you to plan ahead.

One of the first things you can do to stay connected and informed in emergency situations is to register your cell phone or land line with Global Connect at www.victoriatx.org /oem/index/asp or dial 211 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Global Connect is an emergency notification system that allows local officials to communicate emergency information to the Victoria community during emergencies like severe weather, hurricanes and chemical accidents.

Portions of Victoria County may be required to evacuate during severe hurricane threats. If you or someone you know needs a ride to evacuate prior to a hurricane, dial 211 to register for a ride. Pets are welcome.

Also, be sure to have a severe weather home supply kit on hand with the following items:• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for three to seven days

• Food - at least enough for three to seven days (non-perishable or canned foods, snacks and juices); food for infants and elderly; non-electric can opener; cooking tools/fuel; paper plates and plastic utensils

• Blankets, pillow, etc.

• Clothing - seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes

• First Aid Kit, medicines, and prescriptions

• Toiletries/hygiene items

• Flashlight/batteries

• Battery-operated radio

• Fully-charged cell phones with extra battery

• Cash and credit cards

• Keys

• Toys, books and games

• Important documents stored in a waterproof container

• Tool kit

• Pet care items

• Vehicle fuel tanks filled.

Just out of curiosity, how much does it cost the city to clean up graffiti and vandalism in the parks, and what can I do to help prevent it?

Graffiti or vandalism damage to city parks, no matter how big or small, is costly. Depending on the extent of damage, it can cost from $50 to more than $200 to remove graffiti. It costs between $1,500-$3,000 to replace a damaged slide; $100 to replace a broken light bulb on the hike and bike trail; $300 to replace a toilet; $250 to replace a broken barbecue pit and $650 to replace a damaged picnic table. If you see someone in the act of vandalizing property in the city's public parks, please report it immediately by calling 911.

Do you have a question about the city of Victoria? Please submit your questions and comments about any city department to Jennifer Sourdellia in the Communications/Public Information Office by emailing jsourdellia@victoriatx.org or mail to P.O. Box 1758, Victoria, TX 77902.